About SSH...

SSH (Secure SHell) is an enhanced replacement for the Unix rsh, rlogin and telnet utilities and has been available on some of the department's Debian Linux systems for some time. It has now been installed on all publicly accessible Linux systems in the department, on all of the Alpha-based Digital Unix systems and on the SGI and Suns running Solaris. By the end of March, older systems such as Suns running SunOS and DEC MIPS machines running Ultrix will also have ssh capability.

Offering an encrypted end-to-end link between hosts, it is considerably more secure than both telnet and the notoriously insecure rsh. The College is becoming increasingly aware of computer network security issues and is about to implement a strict security regime which will apply to all computers connected to its networks. To help us meet these stringent requirements, the department will move away from telnet to SSH for remote connections by the end of March.

Where can I get it from?

Ready-to-install ssh clients are already available for all the popular operating systems and you can download free software here. Take a look at our recommended software list for our suggestions for Windows and Unix/Linux SSH software; Macintosh packages will be added shortly.